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Latest UAE tax compliance updates

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  1. Major 2026 Tax Procedure & VAT Overhaul – The UAE has issued significant amendments to the Tax Procedures Law and VAT Law effective 1 January 2026 , which harmonise compliance rules across VAT, Corporate Tax, and Excise Tax, creating a unified statutory framework for audits, refunds, and record-keeping. These reforms tighten due diligence standards and standardise audit procedures across taxes. 2. Five-Year Limits on Refunds, Credits & Audits – New statutory time limits have been introduced, including five-year windows for VAT refund claims and for the Federal Tax Authority’s ability to conduct audits or apply excess credits, significantly impacting long-term tax planning and record retention. 3. E-Invoicing Roll-Out Requirements – Mandatory e-invoicing for eligible businesses is being phased in by July 2026 . This moves compliance from periodic filings to real-time digital reporting , requiring structured invoice data via accredited service providers. 4. VAT Law A...

UAE Tax Compliance Services: Safeguarding Operational Continuity

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  UAE Tax Compliance Services: Safeguarding Operational Continuity UAE’s regulatory landscape has matured rapidly, placing tax discipline at the center of corporate governance. With Corporate Tax, VAT, ESR, and transfer-pricing oversight tightening, organizations need structured compliance architecture to stay audit-ready while protecting commercial velocity. UAE Tax Compliance Services enable this by creating a controlled ecosystem for reporting, filing, and risk mitigation. The Compliance Imperative As the market shifts from incentive-driven to rules-based, companies face escalating scrutiny around revenue recognition, documentation, filing timeliness, and substance demonstration. Non-compliance can impact cash flow, bankability, and reputation. The mandate is straightforward: operate with audit-safe transparency. Key Scope of UAE Tax Compliance Services A typical compliance suite spans the full lifecycle: Corporate Tax assessment, registration, and periodic filing VAT...

Tax Compliance Services: Safeguarding Businesses Through Accuracy and Accountability

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  Tax Compliance Services: Safeguarding Businesses Through Accuracy and Accountability In a global market defined by evolving regulations, tax compliance is no longer just a reporting exercise—it’s a core element of business integrity. Companies that maintain transparent and timely compliance not only avoid penalties but also strengthen investor confidence and operational stability. Understanding Tax Compliance Tax compliance involves more than submitting returns—it’s about maintaining an accurate, traceable financial trail that aligns with regulatory frameworks. From Corporate Tax and VAT to withholding and transfer pricing documentation , businesses must ensure every number reflects genuine transactions and compliant structures. Professional tax compliance services simplify this complexity. They help businesses manage registrations, filings, audits, and reconciliations , ensuring all obligations are met under UAE Federal Tax Authority (FTA) and international standards. Why It ...

Navigating Small Business Relief Under UAE Corporate Tax

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Navigating Small Business Relief Under UAE Corporate Tax When the UAE introduced Corporate Tax, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) faced understandable concern about compliance costs and administrative burden. To encourage entrepreneurship and ease the transition, the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) introduced  Small Business Relief (SBR)  — a measure that simplifies compliance for businesses below a certain income threshold. Here’s how it works, and what business owners need to know. 1. What Is Small Business Relief? Small Business Relief allows eligible businesses to be treated as having  no taxable income  for a given tax period, even if they are technically within the Corporate Tax regime. In other words, qualifying entities can  pay zero Corporate Tax  and skip certain reporting complexities, provided their revenue remains within the prescribed limits. 2. Eligibility Criteria To qualify for SBR under the UAE Corporate Tax Law (Federal Decree-Law No. 47 of...

FTA Audits: How to Prepare Your Business for a Tax Review

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  FTA Audits: How to Prepare Your Business for a Tax Review In the UAE’s maturing tax environment, Federal Tax Authority (FTA) audits have become a routine part of ensuring transparency and compliance. Whether your business is subject to VAT, Excise Tax, or Corporate Tax, an FTA audit is designed to verify that all filings, records, and payments are accurate and compliant with the law. Preparation isn’t optional—it’s strategic. Businesses that stay audit-ready not only avoid penalties but also demonstrate strong governance and financial integrity. 1. What Is an FTA Audit? An FTA audit is a formal review conducted by the Federal Tax Authority to assess whether a company’s tax declarations align with its accounting records and business transactions. It may cover: VAT and Excise Tax filings Corporate Tax returns Customs declarations and imports Accounting records, invoices, and ledgers The FTA can initiate an audit with or without prior notice. Typically, businesses re...

UAE Tax Framework: From Compliance to Strategic Advantage

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  UAE Tax Framework: From Compliance to Strategic Advantage The UAE’s evolving tax regime marks a new era for businesses. What was once a tax-free landscape has matured into a globally aligned, transparent system—one that rewards structure, documentation, and forward planning. Understanding this shift isn’t just about compliance; it’s about building resilience and unlocking strategic advantages. Corporate Tax in the UAE: A Quick Snapshot Effective Date: Corporate Tax (CT) applies for financial years beginning on or after 1 June 2023 . Tax Rate: 0% on taxable income up to AED 375,000 9% on income above that threshold Free Zone Entities: May still enjoy a 0% rate on “Qualifying Income” , provided they meet substance and compliance conditions. Large Multinationals: Under the OECD Global Minimum Tax (Pillar Two) , qualifying groups face a minimum effective tax rate of 15% from 2025. The New Compliance Mindset Compliance today extends far beyond filing ret...

Economic Substance Regulations (ESR): Ensuring Transparency and Compliance in Business Operations

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Economic Substance Regulations (ESR): Ensuring Transparency and Compliance in Business Operations In today’s global regulatory environment, transparency is no longer optional—it’s the foundation of corporate credibility. The Economic Substance Regulations (ESR) were introduced to ensure that companies engaged in specific business activities in the UAE and other offshore jurisdictions have genuine operational presence and are not simply established to gain tax advantages. Understanding ESR The ESR framework requires entities conducting relevant activities —such as holding company business, headquarters business, financing, distribution, fund management, or intellectual property business—to demonstrate that they have substantial activities, staff, and expenditure within the jurisdiction where they are registered. Simply put, companies must prove that their profits align with real economic activity. Who Must Comply Entities licensed in the UAE or offshore jurisdictions are required...